We've got some fabulous new clients and we're so pleased we want to tell everyone about it.
Walk the Coast is a brand new business that will be launching in the New Year and they've choosen Webstar to design their website. Walk the Coast will be organising walking holidays in the beautiful county of Dorset, using the dramatic coastline and fantastic scenery as a backdrop.
Emma Kenny is one of the UK's leading psychologists. With a sucessful TV career including GMTV's resident psychologist and various televisions series, she now wants to expand into the corporate market and asked Webstar to design a website that would attract corporate and individual clients. We can't wait to work with Emma. Keep watching this space!
Rugs and Runners plan to launch their new internet business early in the New Year and have choosen Webstar to design their website which will allow them to sell rugs and runners for homes and offices on the internet.
Kul Cutherbert Interior Designer has decided to launch a new business, she is giving Mums and Dads the opportunity to use their childrens art on their walls. Kul is producing kids paintings on canvas, wallpaper and even wipe down panels which are perfect for messy playrooms or kitchens. What a great idea. Webstar are delighted to be working with Kul who is an inspiration for everyone with her artistic talents and trends setting ideas. Watch out for this fantastic website coming soon.
Thursday 3 December 2009
Tuesday 27 October 2009
Your Website - Is You!
Sadly you don't have the opportunity to meet every prosective customer - it would be great if you could - but your website does!
Your website is the first impression people have of you and your business, not the great furniture you have in reception, or your firm handshake, or your passion for great customer service.
How your website looks reflects your attention to detail and your attitude to business.
How fresh it is and how quickly it gets updated reflects your agility and responsiveness to customers.
How relevant it is shows how you may understand your customers, clients or prospects.
A website communicates an essence of what a business is all about - make sure your website is communicating the right message.
If you would like to chat about your website, give us a call.
Telephone: 01625 821072 Mobile: 07784 128016
Email: michelle@yourwebstar.co.uk
Your website is the first impression people have of you and your business, not the great furniture you have in reception, or your firm handshake, or your passion for great customer service.
How your website looks reflects your attention to detail and your attitude to business.
How fresh it is and how quickly it gets updated reflects your agility and responsiveness to customers.
How relevant it is shows how you may understand your customers, clients or prospects.
A website communicates an essence of what a business is all about - make sure your website is communicating the right message.
If you would like to chat about your website, give us a call.
Telephone: 01625 821072 Mobile: 07784 128016
Email: michelle@yourwebstar.co.uk
Monday 26 October 2009
Your Website - It's about first impressions
Why is a website so important to a business?
People do judge books by their covers - and websites too.
"Web users form first impressions of web pages in as little as 50 milliseconds (1/20th of a second), according to research. In the blink of an eye, web surfers make nearly instantaneous judgments of a website's appeal."
Users who arrive at your website may have no idea who you are, how good your products or services are or what your company values are - but the first few seconds on your website will influence that.
Make sure they get the right impression on their first visit. Is the quality of your website consistent with the quality of your product, service and people.
If you need some advice on your website's first impression give us a call.
Telephone: 01625 821072 Mobile: 07784 128016
Email: michelle@yourwebstar.co.uk
Source: websiteoptimization.com
People do judge books by their covers - and websites too.
"Web users form first impressions of web pages in as little as 50 milliseconds (1/20th of a second), according to research. In the blink of an eye, web surfers make nearly instantaneous judgments of a website's appeal."
Users who arrive at your website may have no idea who you are, how good your products or services are or what your company values are - but the first few seconds on your website will influence that.
Make sure they get the right impression on their first visit. Is the quality of your website consistent with the quality of your product, service and people.
If you need some advice on your website's first impression give us a call.
Telephone: 01625 821072 Mobile: 07784 128016
Email: michelle@yourwebstar.co.uk
Source: websiteoptimization.com
Friday 23 October 2009
Permissions required for Email Marketing
Email marketing is fast becoming the way that companies contact their clients, customers and subscribers to let them know what's happening. It's cheap, quick and funky to use this type of communication, but what permissions do you need to keep within the law?
First of all, let’s clarify what spam is, and then what kind of permission you will need to use email marketing safely. What is spam? and how do you avoid it?
Spam is any email you send to someone who hasn’t given you their direct permission to contact them on the topic of the email.
Permission is a fuzzy word open to interpretation. Let’s get into some specific scenarios so it’s clear what does and doesn’t constitute permission.
You can only email subscribers if you obtained their permission in any of the following ways.
They gave you their business card.
If someone gives you their business card and you have explicitly asked for permission to add them to your list, you can contact them. If they dropped their business card in a fishbowl at a trade show, there must be a sign indicating they will be contacted by email about the specific topic.
They purchased something off you in the last 2 years.
By making a purchase from you they have provided their permission implicitly. Feel free to email them but at the same time, we think it’s always better to ask anyway, so why not include an opt-in checkbox as part of the checkout process.
Scenarios that DON’T equate to permission.
Basically, anything outside the examples above doesn’t equal permission, but here are some examples to make sure it’s crystal clear.
You obtained the email addresses from a third party.
Whether you purchased a list, were provided one by a partner or bought a bankrupt competitor’s customer list, those people never gave YOU permission to email them and they will consider your email spam. No matter the claims of the source of this list, you cannot email them legitimately.
You haven’t emailed that address for more than 2 years.
Permission doesn’t age well. Even if you got their permission legitimately, they won’t remember giving it to you. If you haven’t sent something to that address in the last 2 years, you can’t start now.
First of all, let’s clarify what spam is, and then what kind of permission you will need to use email marketing safely. What is spam? and how do you avoid it?
Spam is any email you send to someone who hasn’t given you their direct permission to contact them on the topic of the email.
Permission is a fuzzy word open to interpretation. Let’s get into some specific scenarios so it’s clear what does and doesn’t constitute permission.
The type of permission you MUST have:
You can only email subscribers if you obtained their permission in any of the following ways.
They opted in via your web site.
This could either be through a newsletter subscribe form or by ticking a checkbox on another form. This checkbox cannot be checked by default and it must clearly explain that checking it will mean you will be contacting them by email.
This could either be through a newsletter subscribe form or by ticking a checkbox on another form. This checkbox cannot be checked by default and it must clearly explain that checking it will mean you will be contacting them by email.
They completed an offline form and indicated they wanted to be emailed.
If someone completes an offline form like a survey or enters a competition, you can only contact them if it was explained to them that they would be contacted by email AND they ticked a box indicating they would like to be contacted.
If someone completes an offline form like a survey or enters a competition, you can only contact them if it was explained to them that they would be contacted by email AND they ticked a box indicating they would like to be contacted.
They gave you their business card.
If someone gives you their business card and you have explicitly asked for permission to add them to your list, you can contact them. If they dropped their business card in a fishbowl at a trade show, there must be a sign indicating they will be contacted by email about the specific topic.
They purchased something off you in the last 2 years.
By making a purchase from you they have provided their permission implicitly. Feel free to email them but at the same time, we think it’s always better to ask anyway, so why not include an opt-in checkbox as part of the checkout process.
Scenarios that DON’T equate to permission.
Basically, anything outside the examples above doesn’t equal permission, but here are some examples to make sure it’s crystal clear.
You obtained the email addresses from a third party.
Whether you purchased a list, were provided one by a partner or bought a bankrupt competitor’s customer list, those people never gave YOU permission to email them and they will consider your email spam. No matter the claims of the source of this list, you cannot email them legitimately.
You scraped or “copy and pasted” the addresses from the Internet.
Just because people publish their email address doesn’t mean they want to hear from you.
Just because people publish their email address doesn’t mean they want to hear from you.
You haven’t emailed that address for more than 2 years.
Permission doesn’t age well. Even if you got their permission legitimately, they won’t remember giving it to you. If you haven’t sent something to that address in the last 2 years, you can’t start now.
If you need any advice don't hesitate to contact us.
Telephone: 01625 821072
Monday 14 September 2009
Happy Mondays Networking Group
Happy Mondays have now launched their new website. A networking group for Mums who have returned to work they are proving a valuable support to Mums with new businesses or who want to start a business.
If you want some support and a chance to meet other Mums in the same boat come along on a Monday morning they alternate between Caffe Latte in Handforth and Fina Bar & Grill in Macclesfield http://www.happymondaysnetworking.co.uk
We loved designing this website and working with Sue & Helen and if you need any advice for your website give us a ring.
We make websites better. It's what we do.
Telephone: 01625 821072 Mobile: 07784 128016
Email: michelle@yourwebstar.co.uk
SEO Myths
Confused about SEO? You're not alone. We uncover the truth behind the most common myths.
Talking recently to business owners about search engine optimization, one fact became apparent almost immediately: There is a ton of misinformation out there when it comes to SEO.
We’ve looked at some of the more common myths about SEO Here's what we found.
Myth #1: SEO is a secret
Reality: I'd say the most common myth is that SEO is a deep, dark secret which only a few people actually know about. In reality, there are a lot of simple but effective techniques that you can do to increase your traffic.
A good place to start the process is to look at your analytics or web stats. There are a variety of tools, including some from Google, that spotlight if you have problems being accessed by search engines. These tools are free and can be added onto any website.
Many people either don’t have the time to look at their analytics or simply don’t understand the reports, if you need help to work them out give me a ring - Tel: 01625 821072
I won't charge you to have a chat and will look over your reports and give you an honest opinion about what they are showing.
Myth #2: SEO means optimizing only for Google
Reality: True, Google is the dominant search engine in many parts of the world, accounting for 60 to 90 percent of all search traffic; but if you think all search engine optimization is for Google, you have missed the online marketing boat, do not pass go and do not collect £200.
So, what's the best SEO strategy? While being aware of technological pitfalls and linking advantages is important, stop optimizing for Google and start optimizing for your intended audience. Building search-friendly sites in a content-friendly environment is the best way to win.
Myth #3: Submitting your site to thousands of directories helps
Reality: Web directory submissions do help. However, it's better to cherry pick a handful of the most reputable/authoritative and relevant web directories instead of taking the easy way and shooting yourself in the foot by using an automated process to submit your site to thousands of directories.
Myth #4: SEO is free
Reality: SEO is never, ever free! Most SEO will inevitably result in website updates which will cost money because it’s useless paying for SEO if when your user gets there you have not delivered what you promised. DIY SEO can be even more costly than employing a professional to do it for you.
Myth #5: Keywords need to appear everywhere
Reality: A popular myth (brought on by people reading old SEO information that is not relevant to the current marketplace and optimization software that was programmed many years ago) is that you should put your keywords everywhere to rank as best you can.
The truth is that search engine algorithms favour more natural writing that includes a more diverse and realistic set of text with more variation in it. Some common variation strategies include using both the plural and singular versions of a keyword, changing the order of words in a phrase and adding relevant modifiers to page titles and headings.
Myth #6: PageRank is the critical measure of a site's success
Reality: PageRank was a rather defining aspect of early Google search. This means that sites who focus primarily on PageRank today are missing the bigger picture and overlooking aspects of their website that they have more control over.
PageRank is focused on the issue of a page's importance, whereas a larger component in determining search results is relevance. A key point here is to aim to deliver results that are relevant to the query typed into the search box, the area where the person is searching from and making sure that your site is targeted to your users.
The real answer to “what makes a site successful?” is original and compelling content that gives consistent happy users: people who bookmark and share your site and understand and respect your brand and who can confidently and seamlessly make that purchase.
Myth #7: Inserting keywords in the keyword meta tag will help list your site for that keyword
Reality: Most major search engines do not use the meta keywords tag as a ranking factor and those that do, if the keyword is not also in the copy of the same page, it’s considered a factor which could lower your rankings, not raise it. At best the keyword tag is used by directories or social bookmarking sites when submitting your site. The only really important meta tag is the description as it is displayed in the search results by Google.
Talking recently to business owners about search engine optimization, one fact became apparent almost immediately: There is a ton of misinformation out there when it comes to SEO.
We’ve looked at some of the more common myths about SEO Here's what we found.
Myth #1: SEO is a secret
Reality: I'd say the most common myth is that SEO is a deep, dark secret which only a few people actually know about. In reality, there are a lot of simple but effective techniques that you can do to increase your traffic.
A good place to start the process is to look at your analytics or web stats. There are a variety of tools, including some from Google, that spotlight if you have problems being accessed by search engines. These tools are free and can be added onto any website.
Many people either don’t have the time to look at their analytics or simply don’t understand the reports, if you need help to work them out give me a ring - Tel: 01625 821072
I won't charge you to have a chat and will look over your reports and give you an honest opinion about what they are showing.
Myth #2: SEO means optimizing only for Google
Reality: True, Google is the dominant search engine in many parts of the world, accounting for 60 to 90 percent of all search traffic; but if you think all search engine optimization is for Google, you have missed the online marketing boat, do not pass go and do not collect £200.
So, what's the best SEO strategy? While being aware of technological pitfalls and linking advantages is important, stop optimizing for Google and start optimizing for your intended audience. Building search-friendly sites in a content-friendly environment is the best way to win.
Myth #3: Submitting your site to thousands of directories helps
Reality: Web directory submissions do help. However, it's better to cherry pick a handful of the most reputable/authoritative and relevant web directories instead of taking the easy way and shooting yourself in the foot by using an automated process to submit your site to thousands of directories.
Myth #4: SEO is free
Reality: SEO is never, ever free! Most SEO will inevitably result in website updates which will cost money because it’s useless paying for SEO if when your user gets there you have not delivered what you promised. DIY SEO can be even more costly than employing a professional to do it for you.
Myth #5: Keywords need to appear everywhere
Reality: A popular myth (brought on by people reading old SEO information that is not relevant to the current marketplace and optimization software that was programmed many years ago) is that you should put your keywords everywhere to rank as best you can.
The truth is that search engine algorithms favour more natural writing that includes a more diverse and realistic set of text with more variation in it. Some common variation strategies include using both the plural and singular versions of a keyword, changing the order of words in a phrase and adding relevant modifiers to page titles and headings.
Myth #6: PageRank is the critical measure of a site's success
Reality: PageRank was a rather defining aspect of early Google search. This means that sites who focus primarily on PageRank today are missing the bigger picture and overlooking aspects of their website that they have more control over.
PageRank is focused on the issue of a page's importance, whereas a larger component in determining search results is relevance. A key point here is to aim to deliver results that are relevant to the query typed into the search box, the area where the person is searching from and making sure that your site is targeted to your users.
The real answer to “what makes a site successful?” is original and compelling content that gives consistent happy users: people who bookmark and share your site and understand and respect your brand and who can confidently and seamlessly make that purchase.
Myth #7: Inserting keywords in the keyword meta tag will help list your site for that keyword
Reality: Most major search engines do not use the meta keywords tag as a ranking factor and those that do, if the keyword is not also in the copy of the same page, it’s considered a factor which could lower your rankings, not raise it. At best the keyword tag is used by directories or social bookmarking sites when submitting your site. The only really important meta tag is the description as it is displayed in the search results by Google.
Thursday 13 August 2009
New clients
Webstar have some new clients and we're really excited. Mortgages SK12 is a mortgage advisor based in Poynton who wanted to provide a friendly, local service. The brief was to design a modern and contemporary website with a traditional feel. Flash on the front page made this website stand out from the competition. Have a look and let us know what you think.....http://www.mortgagessk12.co.uk
We're currently also designing websites for Recovo Limited who supply stylish and contemporary office furniture both new and refurbished to distributors across the UK and Europe and for Happy Mondays Networking Group who are an informal networking group for Mumpreneurs in East Cheshire.
In addition we've recently been updating lots of our clients websites to get them more business in this current difficult climate.
If you need a new website or need some urgent updates give us a ring.
We make websites better. It's what we do
Telephone: 01625 821072 Mobile: 07784 128016 Email: michelle@yourwebstar.co.uk
Monday 13 July 2009
Tuesday 7 July 2009
Who knows best?
You know how some web designers… think they know better than you do about your business.
Which means that you… don’t really get the website you want.
Well what we do is… listen very carefully to your ideas in the first place.
Which means that… you get a website that is 100% right for you and your business.
Call us today to discuss how we can help you to get the website you really want.
Telephone: 01625 821072
Email: michelle@yourwebstar.co.uk
Which means that you… don’t really get the website you want.
Well what we do is… listen very carefully to your ideas in the first place.
Which means that… you get a website that is 100% right for you and your business.
Call us today to discuss how we can help you to get the website you really want.
Telephone: 01625 821072
Email: michelle@yourwebstar.co.uk
Fresher for longer
You know how… your website looked great when it was first done but now it looks old and tired.
Which means that … you don’t get any business from it.
Well what we do is... give you a system so that you can update it yourself when you buy a website from us.
Which means that... your website stays relevant and fresh for longer and visitors get a great user experience.
Call us today to discuss how we can help you to get the website you really want.
Telephone: 01625 821072
Email: michelle@yourwebstar.co.uk
Which means that … you don’t get any business from it.
Well what we do is... give you a system so that you can update it yourself when you buy a website from us.
Which means that... your website stays relevant and fresh for longer and visitors get a great user experience.
Call us today to discuss how we can help you to get the website you really want.
Telephone: 01625 821072
Email: michelle@yourwebstar.co.uk
DIY Websites
You know how… you started designing your website yourself to save loads of money, but really didn’t have the time or the know-how.
Which means that ….your website is rubbish and gets no visitors or makes you any money.
Well what we do is…. makes websites better, so you don’t have to.
Which means that... you actually save money by getting a website that promotes your business in the right way.
Call us today to discuss how we can help you to get the website you really want.
Telephone: 01625 821072
Email: michelle@yourwebstar.co.uk
Which means that ….your website is rubbish and gets no visitors or makes you any money.
Well what we do is…. makes websites better, so you don’t have to.
Which means that... you actually save money by getting a website that promotes your business in the right way.
Call us today to discuss how we can help you to get the website you really want.
Telephone: 01625 821072
Email: michelle@yourwebstar.co.uk
Websites take time - or do they?
You know how some web designers…..take months to design your website when really it only takes a few weeks.
Which means that… you go off the idea and lose all your enthusiasm and it becomes a real pain in the bum.
Well what we do is… give you realistic timescales before we start and guarantee those dates.
Which means that…. you get a cashback if we don’t deliver.
Call us today to discuss how we can help you to get the website you really want.
Telephone: 01625 821072
Email: michelle@yourwebstar.co.uk
Which means that… you go off the idea and lose all your enthusiasm and it becomes a real pain in the bum.
Well what we do is… give you realistic timescales before we start and guarantee those dates.
Which means that…. you get a cashback if we don’t deliver.
Call us today to discuss how we can help you to get the website you really want.
Telephone: 01625 821072
Email: michelle@yourwebstar.co.uk
A helping hand?
You know how… your friend offered to do your website for you but really he didn’t want to because he’d rather be down the pub.
Which meant ….that you saved loads of money.
Well what we do is…. save you lots of money by creating you a fantastic website at a reasonable price in a short space of time.
Which means that…. your friend doesn’t have to so you get to keep your friend.
Call us today to discuss how we can help you to get the website you really want and keep your friends at the same time.
Telephone: 01625 821072
Email: michelle@yourwebstar.co.uk
How to get the website you really want
You know how some web designers… take over the project, when really you’re in charge.
Which means that……you don’t feel as if it’s really your website anymore.
Well what we do is…..remember who the client is.
Which means that….you get the website you really want.
Call us today to discuss how we can help you to get the website you really want.
Telephone: 01625 821072
Email: michelle@yourwebstar.co.uk
Which means that……you don’t feel as if it’s really your website anymore.
Well what we do is…..remember who the client is.
Which means that….you get the website you really want.
Call us today to discuss how we can help you to get the website you really want.
Telephone: 01625 821072
Email: michelle@yourwebstar.co.uk
Wednesday 1 July 2009
Are you missing out on mobile marketing?
If you haven't get clicked onto the trend of using mobile phones to market your business, particularly if your target market is young people aged 15-25 you are missing out on an enormous source of low cost viral marketing ideas.
David's Bridal Prom Site, Kodak, Harper Collins and Burger King are all big brands who have used this type of marketing extremely sucessfully. Read the case studies here and as you read the article, consider the specific tactics being utilized and how they might be translated to benefit your business.
http://marketingwithnewtechnology.wordpress.com/2009/07/01/mobile-marketing-campaigns-to-inspire-ideas-for-your-company/
Give us a call if you want some help planning a mobile marketing campaign.
Tel: 01625 821072
Email: michelle@yourwebstar.co.uk
David's Bridal Prom Site, Kodak, Harper Collins and Burger King are all big brands who have used this type of marketing extremely sucessfully. Read the case studies here and as you read the article, consider the specific tactics being utilized and how they might be translated to benefit your business.
http://marketingwithnewtechnology.wordpress.com/2009/07/01/mobile-marketing-campaigns-to-inspire-ideas-for-your-company/
Give us a call if you want some help planning a mobile marketing campaign.
Tel: 01625 821072
Email: michelle@yourwebstar.co.uk
Top Tips 2 - Improve your Website - Edit Content
Editing your existing content frequently will improve your rankings on search engines. Once you know where you rank and where your competition ranks then you can formulate a plan. If you need help to on planning to optimise your website give us a call.
Review your competitor’s website to determine what they might be doing to be ranked well on a particular search engine. Read their content, look over their site. Never ever copy their content that is against the law. However you can create your own content by learning what they have done.
Simply begin editing the content on your site to reflect more of what you have learned from your competitors. Don’t be afraid to learn new things from other sites, and don’t be afraid to try things on your site. Consider including some call to action graphics that will get you noticed by your visitors. Make these graphics clickable and deliver the user to a form page to complete when they click the graphic. Keep the form small so that the prospect will complete it.
Call us for more tips to improve your website.
Tel: 01625 821072
Email: michelle@yourwebstar.co.uk
Review your competitor’s website to determine what they might be doing to be ranked well on a particular search engine. Read their content, look over their site. Never ever copy their content that is against the law. However you can create your own content by learning what they have done.
Simply begin editing the content on your site to reflect more of what you have learned from your competitors. Don’t be afraid to learn new things from other sites, and don’t be afraid to try things on your site. Consider including some call to action graphics that will get you noticed by your visitors. Make these graphics clickable and deliver the user to a form page to complete when they click the graphic. Keep the form small so that the prospect will complete it.
Call us for more tips to improve your website.
Tel: 01625 821072
Email: michelle@yourwebstar.co.uk
Monday 29 June 2009
Top Tips - Improve your website - Add Content
The number one most important thing you can do to improve your website is add content. Content is King, and the key to driving traffic to your site.
Your content needs to be page specific. Each page should have very detailed information regarding that page title. If your page title is Manchester Web Design, then you content needs to contain those terms and be relevant to your business or product.
Don’t just copy this term over and over again, that will get you banned from the search engines. Instead, construct reasonable sentences that will make sense to your reader. Utilize things like bullets, most users won’t read this content you are writing, but they will read the bullets or other call to action items on your page.
Write a reasonable amount of content that will attract your prospect. Your prospective customer will find your site because Google, Yahoo, and MSN will crawl your site and index all the content, making it available as a search result.
The more content you have on a relevant topic, the more likely you are to be found.
If you think you need help writing the content for your website or that your current website is not attracting the number of visitors you would like, give us a ring and we can have a chat about improving the amount of business you get via your website.
Telephone: 01625 821072
Email: michelle@yourwebstar.co.uk
Your content needs to be page specific. Each page should have very detailed information regarding that page title. If your page title is Manchester Web Design, then you content needs to contain those terms and be relevant to your business or product.
Don’t just copy this term over and over again, that will get you banned from the search engines. Instead, construct reasonable sentences that will make sense to your reader. Utilize things like bullets, most users won’t read this content you are writing, but they will read the bullets or other call to action items on your page.
Write a reasonable amount of content that will attract your prospect. Your prospective customer will find your site because Google, Yahoo, and MSN will crawl your site and index all the content, making it available as a search result.
The more content you have on a relevant topic, the more likely you are to be found.
If you think you need help writing the content for your website or that your current website is not attracting the number of visitors you would like, give us a ring and we can have a chat about improving the amount of business you get via your website.
Telephone: 01625 821072
Email: michelle@yourwebstar.co.uk
Tuesday 23 June 2009
SEO - Free Tips and Tools to increase your traffic
SEO (Search Engine Optimisation) is the process of improving a website potential in order to gain more organic non-paid traffic from the major search engines.
So what SEO tips can we offer? Check each one of these points and you will notice a real improvement in your organic traffic?
Well the most important one, the one that every website owner should always bear in mind, is to always show visitors and search engines the same information. When you optimise your website you should make changes to benefit visitors which will also help search engines understand your pages.
Indexing
One of the most important SEO tips is getting that first, all-important link from the right place so every page on your site gets into the main search engines index quickly. Regularly review how Google are indexing your site and what they have to say about it.
Content Building
You need to get the right keywords into your text without making your copy sound awkward. Keyword rich copy that gives your visitors the information they require is a priority. Never use the age old SEO tricks of hiding keywords and stuffing them into your code and make sure that each page of your site uses relevant title tags that have the right keywords. Content is King!
Coding
Simplify your code and make it more search engine friendly by removing javascript and placing it in files on the server. Google need to see what your visitors see and what they see will always be useful to your customers. You can use a handy Meta Tags and Keyword Analyzer to check your keyword Density and make sure your Meta Tags are in the correct format and length. The links are below.
Link building
The more links there are to your site the better your rankings will be. The more relevant the page linking to you the better. Check your Link Popularity using our Link Popularity Check Tool to keep up with your progress. With Google and other key search engines very concerned about sites using links to trick them, you need must have quality links from good sites.
Updating your Website
Without doubt the most effective way or raising your site through the rankings and gaining top organic search engine positions. Keeping your content fresh, topical and relevant will only ever help you on the quest for more traffic. It's a high priority but one that often gets overlooked and will have a detrimental effect on the best website.
Free Tools
Keyword Density Checker - http://www.webconfs.com/keyword-density-checker.php
Domain Backlink Checker - http://www.iwebtool.com/backlink_checker
Website Sitemap Generator - http://www.xml-sitemaps.com
Meta Keyword Tool - https://adwords.google.com/select/KeywordToolExternal
Link Popularity Tool - http://www.submitexpress.com/linkpop/
So what SEO tips can we offer? Check each one of these points and you will notice a real improvement in your organic traffic?
Well the most important one, the one that every website owner should always bear in mind, is to always show visitors and search engines the same information. When you optimise your website you should make changes to benefit visitors which will also help search engines understand your pages.
Indexing
One of the most important SEO tips is getting that first, all-important link from the right place so every page on your site gets into the main search engines index quickly. Regularly review how Google are indexing your site and what they have to say about it.
Content Building
You need to get the right keywords into your text without making your copy sound awkward. Keyword rich copy that gives your visitors the information they require is a priority. Never use the age old SEO tricks of hiding keywords and stuffing them into your code and make sure that each page of your site uses relevant title tags that have the right keywords. Content is King!
Coding
Simplify your code and make it more search engine friendly by removing javascript and placing it in files on the server. Google need to see what your visitors see and what they see will always be useful to your customers. You can use a handy Meta Tags and Keyword Analyzer to check your keyword Density and make sure your Meta Tags are in the correct format and length. The links are below.
Link building
The more links there are to your site the better your rankings will be. The more relevant the page linking to you the better. Check your Link Popularity using our Link Popularity Check Tool to keep up with your progress. With Google and other key search engines very concerned about sites using links to trick them, you need must have quality links from good sites.
Updating your Website
Without doubt the most effective way or raising your site through the rankings and gaining top organic search engine positions. Keeping your content fresh, topical and relevant will only ever help you on the quest for more traffic. It's a high priority but one that often gets overlooked and will have a detrimental effect on the best website.
Free Tools
Keyword Density Checker - http://www.webconfs.com/keyword-density-checker.php
Domain Backlink Checker - http://www.iwebtool.com/backlink_checker
Website Sitemap Generator - http://www.xml-sitemaps.com
Meta Keyword Tool - https://adwords.google.com/select/KeywordToolExternal
Link Popularity Tool - http://www.submitexpress.com/linkpop/
Monday 22 June 2009
Why blog for business?
From a business perspective there are several potential reasons to blog. But, as always, it depends on what you want. Blogs are no different from channels like video, print, audio, presentations and so on. They all deliver results - but of varying kind. The kind you can expect from blogs is mainly about stronger relations with important target groups.
Become the Expert
Position yourself and your company as the thought leader of your business. Get ahead of your competition and let people know what you are selling, why you are different and more importantly why they should buy from you.
Customer Relationships
In a forum where your main objective not is to sell, you'll have a more personal relationship between you and your customers. Blogs are a fast way to join the customers' discussions, provide tips and insights or receive feedback.
Media Relations
It's every PR-consultants dream to create a channel where media regularly check what you have to say, instead of media just being passive - sometimes indifferent - recipients of press releases.
Internal Collaboration
Use blogs as a workspace where project members keep each other updated without wasting time writing reports or searching the Outlook inbox.
Knowledge Management
Blogs works in two ways. First of all, they're an easy way for the readers to find information and resources they want or need. That's obvious and could be used internally in many organizations. Second, blogs are a kind of "university light" for the blogger. Blogging is on-the-job learning.
RecruitmentIf you establish your company as a thought leader, people in your business will pay attention. They'll read and discuss what you have to say. Chances are good they will see you as an attractive employer.
Test ideas or products
A blog is informal. It's part of a conversation where people (often) can comment, and the blog can provide you with a measure of value. Publish an idea and see if it generates interest. Does anyone link to you? What do they say?
Rank high in search engines
Well, this has nothing to do with relations. But Google and other search engines rewards sites that are updated often, that link to other sites and most importantly, that has many inbound links. Start a blog at your regular site and your ranking will boost.
If you'd like to talk about having a blog for your business contact us today. Telephone\\ 01625 821072 or email \\ michelle@yourwebstar.co.uk
Become the Expert
Position yourself and your company as the thought leader of your business. Get ahead of your competition and let people know what you are selling, why you are different and more importantly why they should buy from you.
Customer Relationships
In a forum where your main objective not is to sell, you'll have a more personal relationship between you and your customers. Blogs are a fast way to join the customers' discussions, provide tips and insights or receive feedback.
Media Relations
It's every PR-consultants dream to create a channel where media regularly check what you have to say, instead of media just being passive - sometimes indifferent - recipients of press releases.
Internal Collaboration
Use blogs as a workspace where project members keep each other updated without wasting time writing reports or searching the Outlook inbox.
Knowledge Management
Blogs works in two ways. First of all, they're an easy way for the readers to find information and resources they want or need. That's obvious and could be used internally in many organizations. Second, blogs are a kind of "university light" for the blogger. Blogging is on-the-job learning.
RecruitmentIf you establish your company as a thought leader, people in your business will pay attention. They'll read and discuss what you have to say. Chances are good they will see you as an attractive employer.
Test ideas or products
A blog is informal. It's part of a conversation where people (often) can comment, and the blog can provide you with a measure of value. Publish an idea and see if it generates interest. Does anyone link to you? What do they say?
Rank high in search engines
Well, this has nothing to do with relations. But Google and other search engines rewards sites that are updated often, that link to other sites and most importantly, that has many inbound links. Start a blog at your regular site and your ranking will boost.
If you'd like to talk about having a blog for your business contact us today. Telephone\\ 01625 821072 or email \\ michelle@yourwebstar.co.uk
Monday 15 June 2009
Bing - a rival for google?
It's reported that Microsoft will spend $80 million to get us to try its new search engine, to be called "Bing." Could that possibly work?
Think about it!
Google is more than just a habit. Google has our IDs, customizes our searches, searches our desktops and our email and delivers neatly integrated Maps, reviews, and video searches. It works. There is every reason to stay and no reason to leave. But $80 million buys enough impressions to get people to try something new.
But here are the facts:
Bing overtook Yahoo! as the number two search engine in the United States and worldwide on Thursday, June 4th.
Google had a commanding lead in the U.S. search engine market on Thursday with 71.47%. Yahoo! moved into third place with 10.22% while Microsoft’s Bing was able to grab 16.28%.
Though Microsoft’s Bing moved into the number two spot globally as well on Thursday it did so by a very narrow margin. Bing had 5.62% of the market compared to Yahoo! which had 5.13%. worldwide. Google dominated with a global market share of 87.62%.
The only way to see what will happen, try it out and review on twitter. You can bet that Microsoft will be tweeting for all their worth in the next few weeks.
http://www.bing.com
Think about it!
Google is more than just a habit. Google has our IDs, customizes our searches, searches our desktops and our email and delivers neatly integrated Maps, reviews, and video searches. It works. There is every reason to stay and no reason to leave. But $80 million buys enough impressions to get people to try something new.
But here are the facts:
Bing overtook Yahoo! as the number two search engine in the United States and worldwide on Thursday, June 4th.
Google had a commanding lead in the U.S. search engine market on Thursday with 71.47%. Yahoo! moved into third place with 10.22% while Microsoft’s Bing was able to grab 16.28%.
Though Microsoft’s Bing moved into the number two spot globally as well on Thursday it did so by a very narrow margin. Bing had 5.62% of the market compared to Yahoo! which had 5.13%. worldwide. Google dominated with a global market share of 87.62%.
The only way to see what will happen, try it out and review on twitter. You can bet that Microsoft will be tweeting for all their worth in the next few weeks.
http://www.bing.com
Friday 12 June 2009
Mums in Control
Your Web Star have started writing for a local magazine called Mums In Control. We're really excited as this is our first foray into print!
Launched as a printed magazine in January 2008, MiC is the very first magazine specifically aimed at working mums and ‘mumpreneurs’ and because it's produced by working mums, we know exactly what features will tick the right boxes. Add to this the local element which provides inspirational stories about women in East Cheshire and features on local businesses, coupled with the relevance of local advertising and you have the winning MiC formula!
We're making our debut in the Summer edition due out any day. Watch this space meanwhile you can catch up with Mums in Control on their website and read the last few editions which are packed with interesting articles and local issues for both mums and business women in Cheshire.
Link to Mums in Control: http://local.mumsincontrol.co.uk/SK9/about-us.asp
Launched as a printed magazine in January 2008, MiC is the very first magazine specifically aimed at working mums and ‘mumpreneurs’ and because it's produced by working mums, we know exactly what features will tick the right boxes. Add to this the local element which provides inspirational stories about women in East Cheshire and features on local businesses, coupled with the relevance of local advertising and you have the winning MiC formula!
We're making our debut in the Summer edition due out any day. Watch this space meanwhile you can catch up with Mums in Control on their website and read the last few editions which are packed with interesting articles and local issues for both mums and business women in Cheshire.
Link to Mums in Control: http://local.mumsincontrol.co.uk/SK9/about-us.asp
Thursday 11 June 2009
Are you a Zebra?
A herd of zebras all look the same when they are running as a herd. Zebras that don’t ‘run with the herd’ get noticed first. If you want to get noticed by your potential customers you need to run ‘outside the pack’.
Getting noticed increases your chance of making a sale. Do you need to get noticed?
Now is the time to look at your business and try to make it look different on at least one significant criterion – the internet.
Most websites as they are commonly presented are failing to deliver. Is yours?
If you need to get noticed give us a ring.
We make websites better. It’s what we do.
Getting noticed increases your chance of making a sale. Do you need to get noticed?
Now is the time to look at your business and try to make it look different on at least one significant criterion – the internet.
Most websites as they are commonly presented are failing to deliver. Is yours?
If you need to get noticed give us a ring.
We make websites better. It’s what we do.
Wednesday 10 June 2009
Think you need a new website?
Here's 10 ways of knowing for sure if you need a redesign.
From time to time every website needs to be redesigned in order to keep its content and appearance up to date. Does your website show any of the top 10 signs below?
Easy questions along the way to find out if it’s time to redesign.
1. You built it yourself…or your friend/relative/dog built it
DIY websites always look like DIY websites and they never perform when it comes to optimisation and search engine results which after all is what really matters. What I can do for you costs less in comparison to what it will cost you if you don’t see me and go ahead on your own.
Remember: If your website looks unprofessional - your company looks unprofessional.
Q. How much value is your website bringing to your business? How are you measuring that?
Q. How do your customers react to your website?
Q. Do you know how your customers react to your website or are you assuming they think it’s great. Q. If you had to score your website out of 10 what score would you give it?
2. You aren't getting the results you want
The first clue that you need a new web site is that you are not getting the results you want, but do you know the results you want? Have you defined your objectives from your website? Have you set targets and measured the results?.
People are coming to your site but not opting in. Your conversion rate is minimal between visitors to your site and sales or enquiries. Not a good sign of success. You may need a new design, stronger keywords, and new sales pages-- pretty much everything in order to get the results you deserve. A new web site lets you start again and get it right this time.
Q. Is your web site getting the conversion rate you want?
Q. Are you attracting the number of visitors to your site that you need to be successful?
Q. Do you know the number of visitors that visit your site?
Q. How have you successfully used your website to increase business?
3. Your site hasn't been updated since it was built
Just like your business evolves over time, so does what's expected from a company's website. Depending on the nature of their business, proactive companies will typically update the content on their website every few weeks and have a complete redesign every 2-3 years.
Old news is no news the worst websites are those with information that is out of date and this reflects so badly on a business. Your website should look fresh and appealing, and promote an image of success and stability in order to attract and retain visitors on a daily basis. Plus updating your website gives you a great opportunity to let your customers know that you have new information on it and ask them to have a look.
Q. How does updating your site regularly help your search engine rankings?
Q. Do you update your website regularly with news, events, new products?
Q. Can you update your website regularly and keep it fresh and appealing?
Q. What is the one thing you would change if you could?
4. Your website doesn't have a clear and consistent navigation structure
Your website's pages should be easy to move through from one to the next. You should have a menu in a consistent location across all of your pages. Remember, you look at your website all the time so are familiar with where things are, but a visitor to your website will give you 10 seconds (if you're lucky) to show them what they're looking for and if they don't see the link they need or the menu options they have - they'll be heading for the back button and on to your competitor's website.
Q. Why use tabbed navigation?
Q. Have you asked people to use your website and give you some honest feedback?
Q. Would you like a professional, honest critique on how you can make your website better?
Q. You have 10 seconds to make an impression – don’t waste a second of that time.
5. Your website only works in Internet Explorer
It's amazing how many web designers still don't take other web browsers into consideration when developing a website. There was a time when the vast majority of website users used Internet Explorer as their web browser, but those days have gone.
The most popular web browser is Mozilla Firefox, which has over 50% of the market share. (Source: W3Schools) This means that if your website doesn't work or display correctly in Firefox, the chances are that every other visitor to your website can't access it. The simple reasons why a website may not work in Firefox and other web browsers is poor or outdated coding, which may have been the accepted way of designing at the time but has no become outdated, non-compliant and doesn't meet 2009 standards. Learn more about
the importance of a standards compliant website on our links.If you'd like to check your website, you can
download Firefox and give it a try. It's free and most people don't go back! Alternatively contact us to check it for you.6. Your images look pixelated and take ages to load
Website visitors hate waiting for web pages to load, and one of the main elements which affect loading times are images. If the images on your website s-l-o-w-l-y scroll into view, the chances are people haven't waited for them and gone elsewhere before they've even looked at your other content.
Pixelated means that they have been resized badly and the images are not clear and sharp.
7. Your website uses frames
The use of frames was once common around the internet but these days the flaws they have regarding search engines, accessibility and usability have led to knowledgeable web developers avoiding them. We can check if you website uses frames and is restricting traffic and users to your website.
8. Poor choice of colour scheme, element & structure
Colour selection is an major step in the design process that is often overlooked – if not altogether ignored. Selecting colours based on personal preference or just out of habit is far from the desired approach. Every colour and colour combination has a distinct set of meanings. There is great power in the way colours are used and what colours are used alongside them.
Elements come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes and styles. Trendy approaches to pure necessity, each one has a purpose. Rounded corners, Icons, Badges, Tags, Gradients – the trick is knowing when to use them and when to lose them to enhance a design. Functional or decorative all the elements of a design must be unified by an overall aesthetic.
Structure in web design is essential, by looking at an assortment of structures we are quickly reminded of our infinite options. Modules, Horizontal Scrolling, Zoom In, Three Buckets – methods that produce extraordinary websites that make sense and have a reason. Simple options that can make a big difference.
Q. Do you know colour’s potential impact on your website?
Q. What difference does it make between rounded or straight corners?
Q. Why use Horizonal Scrolling?
9. You have any of the following
If you have any of these on your website this tells people that you have not updated your website for years. The message this gives to people reflects on your business.
Intrusive flashing images,
Animations
Automatic pop-up windows
Visible hit counter telling your visitors they are the 43rd visitor since 1999
Background music
10. Checklist
1. Low traffic visiting the site/don’t know how many visitors my site has.
2. Poor results in sales/enquiries.
3. Can’t update with new content.
4. Navigation is unclear and difficult to use.
5. Doesn’t work in Firefox
6. Poor image quality
7. Uses frames
8. need advice about colour schemes, elements and structures.
9. Still using animations rather than flash.
10. You would like a critique.
Ring us today and get some free advice. What have you got to lose.
We make websites better. It’s what we do.
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